Hilton Head Real Estate

Whether you own an oceanfront home or you are just visiting the area, you need to know the local beach rules and regulations. All beaches on the Island are considered public beaches, though access may be restricted due to private property along the shore.

Year round beach prohibitions include:

• Liquor, beer, and wine on the beach.
• Glassware.
• Littering.
• Indecent exposure (nudity).
• Disorderly conduct.
• Disturbing the peace.
• Unauthorized vehicles.
• Fires and fireworks.
• Shark fishing.
• Removal, harming , or harassment of any live beach fauna (sea turtles, sand dollars, conchs, starfish, etc.)
• Removal, alteration, or damage to dunes, sea oats, or other dune flora.
• Operation, launching, landing of unauthorized motorized watercraft.
• Unauthorized commercial activity.
• Sleeping on the beach between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Unauthorized wearing of lifeguard emblems, insignias, etc.
• Solicitation or distribution of handouts.
• Kites not under manual control.
• Stunt kites 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30.
• Sand-sailing.

Additional Regulations

For the added protection of sunbathers and swimmers, the following activities are prohibited in designated swimming areas between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30:

• Fishing or surfcasting.
• Surfboards, boogie boards, etc.
• Frisbees or other team sports involving a ball Games with metal components.

Animals on the Beachfront

• Are not permitted - Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Must be on a leash
  - Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 1 through Thursday before Memorial Day.
  - Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30.
• Must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times.
• Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement.

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